Old World Sicily & Malta

You’re on your way to Malta and Sicily – legendary isles nestled amongst the deep blue waves of the Mediterranean. Discover how ancient traditions blend into modern society as you travel along timeless Italian and Maltese towns.
Hotel Name: Land's End Boutique Hotel

Start your journey with a 4-night stay in Sliema, a welcoming Maltese resort town with a lively waterfront promenade. Stretch your legs and take in views of Marsamxett Harbour and Manoel Island. Uncover Malta’s deeply rooted heritage, teeming with mysterious prehistoric temples and Renaissance architectural masterpieces. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner.
Dinner Included

Visit Area: Malta
One of the smallest countries in Europe, Malta is a collection of a set of islands located to the south of Sicily. Home to various types of inhabitants since 5,000 BC, this coastal paradise preserves endless layers of history. Today, you can explore this intriguing past as well as soak up the sunshine on this relaxing Mediterranean getaway.

Begin your adventure with a panoramic sailing of Valletta’s (UNESCO) Grand Harbour aboard traditional Dghajsa boats* before exploring the Maltese capital during a walking tour led by a local expert. View the skyline of the Three Cities from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and take in the elegant profile of the Grand Master’s Palace. Then, enjoy some time to explore on your own. This afternoon, visit the private home of a modern-day Knight of Malta before hopping on the local ferry* back to Sliema for an evening at leisure.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Grand Harbour Cruise

The entire day is yours. With free time, you might choose to relax in Sliema or venture back to Valletta for a visit to Caravaggio’s masterpiece housed in Saint John’s Co-Cathedral. Or join an optional full day exploration of the Isle of Gozo,* the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago and home to the Ggantija temple complex (UNESCO), which is older than Stonehenge.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Valletta
Valletta is the capital of Malta. This fortified city is home to the picturesque Barrakka Gardens. Overlooking the harbor, the gardens feature a charming blend of natural beauty and terraced arches.

Enjoy a morning at leisure. Perhaps you’ll join a half-day optional tour to Mdina – the “Silent City” and Malta’s ancient capital. This afternoon, immerse yourself in Maltese traditions as you board a retro bus for a village where daily life and customs remain unchanged. Experience an Impact Moment as you are hosted for dinner at a local band club. Band clubs have a special place in the community. A source of intense pride and with a solid place in Maltese social culture, the band club's premises are an ideal meeting point for locals to exchange gossip, play a game of pool or engage in village festa activities.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included
Hotel Name: Hotel Villa Carlotta

Admittance: Impact Moment

Early this morning, grab your bags** and hop on a ferry*** to Sicily. Pause in the seaside town of Pozzallo for a Sicilian breakfast. As in most of Italy, breakfast in Sicily is a simple but tasty affair, traditionally consisting of a pastry and cappuccino. Continue your culinary exploration of the Sicilian countryside with a visit to a family-owned herb farm to learn about their production of organic aromatic plants. Then, during lunch, enjoy dishes enlivened with herbs grown on the farm. A delightful way to experience the region’s unique and delicious flavors. This afternoon, settle into your hotel for a leisurely 3-night stay in the Ragusa countryside.

Breakfast Included
Lunch Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Ferry to Sicily

Make your way to Ragusa-Ibla (UNESCO), a time-worn city perched upon a hill. Meander through its late-Baroque neighborhood with an expert guide, passing by winding lanes, cobblestone streets, and wrought iron balconies. Make the most of a free afternoon to explore on your own. As the sun sets, retreat to your countryside resort just outside the city or linger in town for a dinner on your own.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Aromatic Herb Farm

The day is yours to do as you please. With free time, you might choose to relax in the countryside and enjoy the resort’s amenities. Or, perhaps you will join an optional tour to the picture-perfect towns of Scicli and Modica (UNESCO), where you’ll enjoy a savory brunch featuring fresh ricotta at a countryside restaurant before venturing to an Aztec chocolate shop for some sweet samples.

Breakfast Included
Hotel Name: Excelsior Palace Hotel

Visit Area: Ragusa-Ibla

Take in the rugged landscape of South-Eastern Sicily en route to Siracusa (UNESCO). Then, it’s your choice! Discover the expansive Neapolis, the ancient Greek colony established 27 centuries ago -OR- take in the ancient city's most precious treasures during a visit of the archeological museum in company of a local expert. This afternoon, relax during a bus transfer to Taormina, a charming resort town perched high above the Mediterranean Sea.

Breakfast Included

Visit Area: Siracusa
Once the most important Greek city-state in the empire, Siracusa was a city filled with great monuments and temples. Today the best preserved Greek site is the theatre which is carved out of local stone. Nearby are the ancient quarries and a cave called the Orecchio di Dionisio (Ear of Dyonisis). Additional remnants of the ancient Greek city can be seen on the Island of Ortygia. On Ortygia, guests can see parts of the Temple of Appolo and the beautiful Church of Santa Lucia, which is constructed using ancient Temple columns.

Discover Taormina with a local guide, leading you to the city’s Duomo, public gardens, and the well-preserved Greek theater. Walk in the footsteps of ancient attendees and take in an unparalleled viewpoint of the adjacent ocean. Spend the free afternoon on your own. Perhaps you’ll grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café, or peruse the local boutiques for handcrafted souvenirs.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Choice on Tour: Ancient Siracusa: Archeological Site -OR- Archeological Museum
Explore the archeological treasures of Siracusa where you have the choice between 2 activities. Discover the expansive Neapolis, the ancient Greek colony established 27 centuries ago -OR- take in the ancient city's most precious treasures during a visit to the archeological museum in the company of a local expert. Ancient Siracusa Archeological Site - NEO Day 8 Activity Level: 4 Travelers picking this option should be aware that the visit of the Siracusa archeological site requires the ability to walk for 1.5 miles over uneven terrain, unpaved paths with slippery stones, loose gravel, and dirt. There is little to no shade. Temperatures in April to October easily exceed 90F (30C). Ancient Siracusa Archeological Museum - NEO Day 8 Activity Level: 2 Travelers picking this option should be aware that the visit to the Siracusa archeological museum will last approximately 60 minutes and is guided. The museum is indoors. There is 1 flight of steps to negotiate, or travelers can opt to visit the ground floor only.

See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna (UNESCO). Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano. Spend the day exploring this legendary giant, passing by lava formations and basalt rocks. Back in Taormina, gather with your fellow travelers as you recount memories of the Mediterranean islands accompanied by Sicilian food at dinner, surrounded by local musicians.

Breakfast Included
Dinner Included

Admittance: Taormina’s Greek Theatre

Say goodbye to Sicily and the Mediterranean as your tour comes to a close today.

Breakfast Included

Admittance: Mount Etna Off-Road Excursion
See Sicily’s wilder side on an off-road adventure to Mount Etna. Stare up at the iconic peak as your vehicle climbs along the sides of Europe’s largest active volcano.